Commentary
Can you think of another topic more ridiculous than common sense when appealing to a group of legislators? Yet, not since Thomas Paine published his pamphlet on it in 1776, has anyone promoted common sense thinking more than President Trump.
During his signings of legislation, and even executive orders, he regularly references how common sense thinking played a role. And during his appearance this week at the Republican House of Representative retreat in preparation for the midterms, he reminded them that “I am a man of common sense.”
Understanding the wide public appeal of common sense, it was in his message as he ensured that House Republicans and the White House were aligned on their agenda ahead of the November midterms that will determine control of Congress and the course of his final two years in office.
Republicans have an uphill battle to maintain the slim majority that will require incumbents and candidates to improve their messaging on the issues, accomplishments and priorities.
Trump’s impressive first-year achievements, foreign and domestic, need to be highlighted. I’m confident that by the time midterm campaigning begins, evidence of a booming economy will provide them with additional ammunition.
But with Trump’s rollercoaster approval ratings and the historical fact that whichever party wins the presidency, the other party wins the midterm, Trump couldn’t help but express lingering concern. However, he continued to the fact that losing doesn’t make sense after his America first successes.
He suggested that if the Democrats were to regain control of the House and/or Senate, they would most likely to attempt a third impeachment.
Of course, encouraging Republicans to vote is imperative.
Healthcare
Citing his first year legislation and orders dealing with healthcare, including his gaining of most favored nation by the major pharmaceutical firms on drug prices, Trump told members at the retreat that while “healthcare has never been our issue, it should be our issue.”
While his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) program, outlined in the White House press conference Wednesday, is an effort to prevent illnesses through healthy eating habits, the administration’s plan to give Americans more choice in how their healthcare funds are spent.
Republicans must, in clear terms, outline their plan versus the Affordable Healthcare Act (ObamaCare), with its increasing premiums paid to healthcare insurance companies, which are receiving subsidies to provide government-directed care. The GOP Senate is fortunate to have a number of members who are doctors, including Senators Cassidy and Barrasso, providing guidance in legislation that removes Americans from the clutches of insurance companies.
As I write this, however, the Wall Street Journal reports that Republican negotiators say they are closing in on a deal with Democrats, indicating that an emerging framework would extend the subsidies for two years, while adding income caps, anti-fraud measures and other provisions to draw GOP support.
I’m not happy.
Negotiators are discussing a minimum monthly payment – at least $5 a month – as a major shift. I was unaware that roughly 4 in 10 ACA plan enrollees don’t pay anything toward premiums. No wonder it’s a loser.
Of course, it will require 60 votes to clear the Senate, where Republicans are currently sitting on a slim 53-47 majority.
Follow the Money
Americans need to know that 93 percent of Congressional incumbents running in 2024, as well as 100 percent of Senate incumbents received contributions from insurance corporations running the ten largest Medicare Advantage plans in the country, according to fellow blogger, Henry Kotula, who adds that “they are known to deny health care and defraud the government, but face little to no consequences.”
Consulting data researched by Open Secrets, a non-partisan, independent research firm that tracks money in politics, reveals interesting figures on insurance company contributions to each party, individuals, and what is spent to lobby Congress.
With the percentage of contribution coverage mentioned above, it’s obvious that members of both parties benefit from insurance company influence. It will be interesting to see who stands up against their continued subsidization.
Kamala Harris received $6,317,114 and Trump $3,747,268 in 2024. We know that Trump is not running again and is currently voicing concern over the money being made by insurance companies.
Interestingly, while Democrat Senators Sherrod Brown ($626,000), Jon Testor ($504,000) and Bob Casey ($478,000), were among the top recipients of insurance company contributions, all three lost their races in 2024.
Of the top five contributing companies, only Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the third highest, is commonly known. It contributed $4 million, with Democrats getting $2.5 million and Republicans $1.4 million.
The top contributor was Ryan Specialty Group, an international specialty insurance firm, contributing $14 million, led the list of 20 firms in the Open Secrets tally.
The insurance companies also spend a great deal on lobbying efforts – $156 million in 2024. One can imagine that companies interested in the passage of legislation affecting their bottom line, will have sizeable lobbying budgets. In 2024, Blue Cross/Blue Shield led the pack with a budget in excess of $20 million. American Health Insurance Plans came closet with a $12 million budget.
Looking to the Midterms
Americans will have an opportunity to turn the table on insurance companies with their money bags by using common sense, beginning with a message to their congressmen recognizing their financial ties to insurance companies. Followed by their desire to take control of their family’s needs here on in.
May God continue to bless the United States of America.
